Photographer sued for taking pictures of topless woman on Empire State Building

INAPPROPRIATE: Model Shelby Carter goes topless at the top of the Empire State Building [ALLAN HENSON/SPLASH NEWS]

The owners of the world-famous skyscraper said that Allen Henson's actions were "inappropriate" at a familey-orientated tourist attraction and are seeking £668k in damages.

Mr Henson defended his actions, saying that the pictures of model Shelby Carter were taken on a mobile phone and are not intended for commercial reasons.

Denying the stung was a photo shoot, the Iraq war veteran told the BBC: "We thought it would just be wonderful, a great view... no harm no foul.

"Nobody was injured, no children were around."

LAWSUIT: Allan Henson is being sued for £668,000 for taking the photos without permission [ALLAN HENSON/SPLASH NEWS]

FAMILY ATTRACTION: The building's owners said the saucy photos would damage the building's reputation [ALLAN HENSON/SPLASH NEWS]

“Nobody was injured, no children were around”

Allen Henson

However, the companies that own the landmark said that the te incident threatened their ability to ensure a "safe, secure and appropriate place for families and tourists", and that he Mr Henson did not have permission to use the image of the building in the pictures.

Arguing that tourists on the 86th floor at the time were also taking photos and videos on their phone without permission, Mr Henson added: "It's not logical.

"They've made a mistake here."

The Empire State Building is the 23rd-tallest skyscraper in the world and attracts around 4 million visitors a year.